New EU ecodesign and energy label rules could transform secondary market for mobile devices

USB-C compatibility raises questions for the secondary market

At the close of last year, the EU implemented an import ban on mobile devices without USB-C charging compatibility. While the directive aims to standardize charging ports across devices, reducing electronic waste, its enforcement remains unclear. Secondary market experts are particularly concerned about the potential consequences. If enforcement is inconsistent across EU member states, it may create loopholes or disparities, impacting the availability of non-compliant devices in the market. For now, industry stakeholders await further clarity from national governments, while preparing for potential disruptions.

Ecodesign requirements focus on durability and reparability

From 20 June 2025, the EU will implement strict ecodesign requirements for mobile phones and tablets sold within the bloc. These measures are designed to promote durability, reparability, and sustainability, but they also place significant demands on manufacturers and refurbishers.

Key requirements include:

• Devices must withstand accidental drops, resist dust and water, and feature durable batteries capable of at least 800 charge cycles while retaining 80% capacity.
• Manufacturers must ensure the availability of critical spare parts for up to seven years post-sale.
• Software and firmware needed for repairs must be accessible to professional repairers.
• Operating system upgrades must be available for at least five years after a product is discontinued.

For refurbishers, these rules could streamline access to spare parts and repair data, but they also raise questions about compliance costs and feasibility in the secondary market. However, will all refurbished and used smartphone sold in Europe after 20 June this year require a energy label that displays energy efficiency ratings alongside information on battery longevity, resistance to damage, and a reparability score.

Energy labeling: a new dimension for consumer choices

This initiative is expected to empower consumers with more sustainable purchasing options while promoting environmentally conscious consumption. By 2030, the energy labeling scheme aims to reduce electricity use by 1.1 TWh annually, translating into substantial energy savings for consumers. However, industry players will need to invest in meeting these labeling standards, including compliance with testing protocols and data submissions. And will these also applies to the EU’s secondary market?

Economic and environmental implications

The EU’s measures are projected to deliver economic and environmental benefits by extending the lifespan of devices and reducing the need for new production. By 2030, the lifetime extension measures are expected to cut consumer expenses by €20 billion annually, mainly due to reduced acquisition costs as sales of new devices decline. Additionally, these regulations could lead to primary energy savings of 8.1 TWh, with significant reductions in the production phase—a benefit that extends beyond the EU’s borders.

Challenges for suppliers and dealers

The new rules impose obligations on suppliers and dealers to ensure compliance. Suppliers must provide printed and electronic labels, maintain public databases with product information, and include energy efficiency details in advertisements. Dealers, on the other hand, must ensure that labels are prominently displayed at points of sale, whether in-store or online, and that promotional materials reflect the energy efficiency ratings of devices. While these measures aim to standardize practices across the industry, they may also introduce logistical and administrative challenges, particularly for smaller players in the secondary market.

Balancing sustainability and market dynamics

While the EU’s new regulations champion sustainability, they also highlight the complexities of achieving a circular economy in the secondary market. The focus on durability and reparability aligns with environmental goals but may increase costs for refurbishers and manufacturers. Moreover, the interplay between standardized practices and market dynamics will shape the future of the secondary mobile market. For example, while local refurbishment is generally seen as more sustainable, economies of scale and specialized labor in regions like Asia may offer competitive advantages. Balancing these factors requires nuanced approaches and lifecycle analyses.

Awaiting the verdict

As the industry gears up for the June 2025 deadline, much remains uncertain. How strictly will USB-C compatibility be enforced across member states? Will energy labeling and reparability scores shift consumer preferences? And how will suppliers and refurbishers adapt to these sweeping changes? Secondarymarket.news will continue to explore expert perspectives on these pressing questions in the coming days.